Small Claims Court -- Do You Need a Lawyer?

By Pam Menaker of Clifford Law Offices PC on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

Question: I'm considering small claims court as a way to resolve my dispute with someone who owes me money. Will I need a lawyer? Answer: It is totally your choice. In small claims court, you can handle your personal or business legal matters without an attorney. If, however, the other party has an attorney, you may want one as well to improve your chances of winning the case. For help in finding an attorney, contact the Illinois State Bar Association's Illinois Lawyer Finder service by calling (800) 922-8757, or visit www.IllinoisLawyerFinder.com. The service can provide the name of a lawyer in your area. ISBA lawyers obtained through the toll-free phone call have agreed to provide a half-hour consultation for a fee of no more than $25. For more information about Illinois law, visit www.illinoislawyerfinder.com. If you have a legal question, send it to illinoislawcolumn@isba.org.Illinois Law Now is a series of newspaper and internet posts prepared by the Illinois State Bar Association that address legal issues of interest to the public. For additional information about the law, visit https://www.isba.org/

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